Retail Buyer

Location: Remote

Do you want to be a part of the change you want to see in the world? At Scouts Canada, our Vision is “Canadian youth making a meaningful contribution to creating a better world.” We need passionate individuals who share our Mission to develop well-rounded youth better prepared for success in the world.

The role of the Retail Buyer is to both bring in new products and maintain inventory levels of retail products through sourcing, quoting, and procurement of program materials, outdoor gear, and branded products.

**Responsibilities**:
Purchasing
- Purchase all uniform, program materials, awards and recognition items, outdoor gear, and branded products for retail sales in accordance with product specifications.
- Work with new and existing vendors to source new products in accordance with Scouts Canada’s business plan.
- Maintain and build relationships with existing vendors.
- Obtain quotes and negotiate terms of purchase: price, quality, delivery schedule, payment terms, etc. to maximize profits and quality while minimizing risk.
- Maintain inventory in financial software through receiving of incoming orders.
- Generate and maintain purchase orders in line with finance policy.
- Maintain Scouts Canada’s quality levels for all purchased retail products and resolve any quality, logistics, pricing, or other issues that may arise with the supplier.
- Maintain knowledge of Scouts Canada retail products.
- Deal with shipping companies and customs brokers to import products from other countries.
- Complete administrative functions and maintain records in software relating to the procurement of inventory items: purchase order’s, receiving memo’s, etc.
- Update all cost changes across all retail platforms and indicate to E-Commerce Manager when a review of retail prices needs to be completed.
- Ensure accuracy of invoices against purchase orders.

Inventory Management
- Use knowledge of manufacturing and shipping timelines along with sales seasonality to ensure product is in stock at the correct times of year and out of stock situations are minimized.
- Establish a strong relationship with fulfillment partner regarding inventory management.
- Liaise between fulfillment partner and Finance department to ensure accurate inventory records.
- Communicate with fulfillment partner regarding incoming inventory shipments and rectify any discrepancies.
- Oversee annual inventory audit.
- Manage retail inventory storage costs.
- Create any required inventory reports for management.
- Maintain catalogue of active retail products.
- Ensure acceptable stock rotations by working with E-Commerce Manager to develop and implement strategies to move out old stock.
- Maintain records regarding written-off inventory.

New Product Development
- Work with the Marketing and Communications department to design new products that are in line with Scouts Canada’s brand. (i.e. crests)
- Work with outside agencies to create designs for new products.
- Liaise with members for new product ideas.
- Research customer preferences, market trends, and opportunities for new products.
- Attend trade shows, webinars, and seminars to keep on top of new product opportunities.
- Review existing products for possible redesign and/or discontinuation. (i.e. old crests)
- Present ideas for new products to the Retail Team.
- Liaise with members to organize product testing and feedback on new and existing products.
- Assist E-Commerce Manager with the branded product strategy.

Other Duties
- Provide procurement support to other departments.
- Provide procurement support for special projects.
- Work with vendors to obtain information and content to be used for promotional and marketing purposes.
- Liaise with Finance department regarding any invoice or inventory issues.
- Other duties as assigned

What you bring to the table:

- Minimum of 5 years experience in the field of procurement.
- Bachelor’s degree or post-secondary education in a related field.
- Retail procurement and inventory management experience.
- Knowledge of outdoor gear is beneficial.
- Experience with Shopify platform considered an asset.
- Knowledge of Great Plains financial software is an asset
- Computer literacy, knowledge of Microsoft Office.
- Ability to effectively communicate, written and verbal, with multiple locations remotely
- Will demonstrate a positive attitude
- Strong analytical and negotiations skills and the ability to network and influence people
- Drive and determination
- Impeccable attention to detail
- Strong problem-solving, organization and time management skills
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to cooperate with team members / leaders
- Must possess a true passion for the retail industry
- Strong ability to implement an organizational procedure

Working Conditions
- This position is remote. Must have access to an appropriate in-home workstation
- Must be available for periodic travel within Canada to meetings and events.
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